Does Periodontitis Damage Your Cardiovascular Health?

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Did you know that brushing and flossing your teeth each day is not only keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but also protecting your heart? While scientists have determined that there is a link between oral health and cardiovascular disease, the specific cause has only recently been uncovered. For example, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) found that people with gum disease were at a much higher risk for having a heart attack, however, the direct link was not entirely clear.

According to researchers from Örebro University in Sweden, the bacterial pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis, which causes certain forms of periodontal disease, is also responsible for the genetic changes that can increase inflammation of the heart. The buildup of bacteria that leads to periodontitis can eventually infect the aortic smooth muscles cells of the heart and vascular system, causing clot formation, elevated blood pressure, and increasing the chance of heart attack.

What are the Warning Signs of Periodontitis?

It is suspected that the majority of adults in the U.S. have some form of gum disease and many of these individuals do not even know it. The warning signs to watch out for include:

Gums that seem to be receding from your teeth

Bleeding when brushing or flossing

Sensitive, swollen gums

Loose teeth that seem to be moving away from each other

Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

It is crucial for your overall health to get regular dental check ups, but if you notice the above symptoms, do not wait to schedule an appointment with the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

Take Proactive Steps Against Gum Disease Today. Schedule a Consultation!

If you are concerned about your oral health and suspect that you have periodontitis, please schedule a consultation with one of our expert dentists today. We proudly offer Oral Bacterial DNA Tests to evaluate the bacteria present in a patient’s mouth in order to create a custom treatment plan. To learn more about our services, call (704) 310-5268 today!

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The information available on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician's judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions and or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions.